Obituary published on Legacy.com by DuPage Cremations, Ltd. and Memorial Chapel on Jan. 28, 2026.
Fe Allado Bernabe, 91, passed away peacefully on January 27th, 2026, in
Naperville, Illinois. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of deep faith and resilience, she leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and unwavering optimism.
Born on March 9, 1934, in Laoag, Philippines, Fe pursued her passion for animals and science by earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines. She began her professional journey as a large animal veterinarian in the Philippines-a role that reflected both her intellect and compassion.
After immigrating to the United States, Fe transitioned into new professional roles with characteristic determination and grace. She worked as a Biologist at Nalco before continuing her career with the Illinois State Scholarship Commission. Ever industrious and committed to providing for her family, she also held second jobs at Bankers Life and Casualty, Service Merchandise, Walgreens, and Lord & Taylor. After retirement, she worked for her church, St. Joseph the Worker. Her tireless work ethic was matched only by her generosity and devotion to those she loved.
Fe was a devout Catholic whose faith guided every aspect of her life. She was a member of Couples for Christ and remained spiritually connected through regular participation in her Rosary Facetime Group. Over the years, she worshipped at several parishes including St. Norbert in Northbrook, St. Joseph the Worker in Wheeling, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Crystal Lake.
Family was at the heart of everything Fe did. She was a loving mother to Elaine Ruddy (Kevin), Eileen Hoelter (Dave), Erlene Dungan (Dan), Frederick Bernabe (Natalie), Floyd Bernabe, and Fenwick Bernabe. Her joy multiplied with each grandchild: Thomas Ruddy, Kieran Ruddy, Mars Ruddy, Erin Ruddy, Patrick Hoelter, Kayla Hoelter, Brian Dungan, Cassidy Dungan, Emily Bernabe, and Nathan Bernabe, and honorary grandson Jordan Scaccianoce. She loved chatting and taking vacations with her nieces Ophelia Rallos (Ed) and Rhoda Allado. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernesto Bernabe: her parents Victorino and Maxima Allado; and her siblings, Rodrigo, Luciano, Memo and Belinda Allado.
Fe's home was always filled with warmth-whether through shared meals, quiet moments spent crocheting intricate patterns or working on Diamond Art crafts. She found joy in puzzle books and reading, but most especially cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. Her optimism never wavered; no matter what challenges life presented, she met them with strength and a smile.
She will be remembered as kind-hearted and compassionate-a woman who gave selflessly to others while maintaining an unshakable spirit. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched so deeply.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026. Visitation starts at 9:30 am and mass is at 10:30 am at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 181 W Dundee Rd,
Wheeling, IL, 60090.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either of the following foundations:
Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
http://bit.ly/4q938bL
or
AccentCare Hospice Foundation
If by check, the donations can be mailed to:
AccentCare Hospice Foundation
17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200
Dallas, Texas 75287
If electronic, the donation links are:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/8EWJM9EEQ8R42
https://www.justgiving.com/charity/mountainvalleyhealthcarefoundation